NELA Annual Conference

Pat O, Doreen and I attended the NELA Conference on Monday. This first statement is deceptively simple.
I left my house at 7AM, drove to Braintree and proceeded to take the longest subway ride in my life-- all the way to Alewife. It was fun to people watch, especially for me who loves to look at people's clothing. No women wear sneakers anymore with their business attire
(thank goodness); everyone had on those little flat ballet slippers with the hem of their pants rolled up. As you can see (read), I had far too much time to watch, I didn't want to carry a book. Where is that kindle when you need one. Deb--where are those playaways? How many times can I listen to Finger Eleven on my I-pod? (Answer: far too many)
After a beautiful scenic sun-filled ride (vast contrast from the subway), we arrived at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester NH.
At 11:00 AM I attended "Discussion Group: The Big Picture: the States and ALA", being in the mood for some Halloween holiday doom and gloom.
A representative from each state in New England discussed their achievements and (dum de dum dum) what was happening in the budget department.
First up was Maine. They have developed a last copy center and are working on downloadable audio collections. Mainiacs can also sign up for courses in the Webjunction Calender. The State Library is promoting databases; they have produced a "Literary Map of Maine". This is a neat idea we could for Massachusetts, if it hasn't already been done. It cost no money and got the newspaper and the public involved.
Connecticut has a 5% budget cut across the board in every state agency and no increase for next year. On the plus side, they have done a delivery study the results of which would make an MLN librarian weep. They also have a grant program involving environmental design requirements.
Massachusetts public library usage is "through the roof" according to Ron Maier of the Mass Board of Library Commissioners.
27,000 people/day use library computers
6 million ILL's/year (no, I don't do them all myself)
Go to Mass.gov/libraries for lots more interesting information regarding attendance and number of library programs, preservation of collections, the Gates Foundation and much more.
Remember to vote No on Question 1; six years ago in less stressful times this question got 45% of the vote.
Vermont has a 4.8% cut this year and another 5% next year which could affect their LSTA funding. Everything could collapse in Vermont. The cost of heating is a huge issue, when people will turn to libraries for a warm place to go. Vermont has 175 libraries; the greatest number per capita in the US (who knew).
New Hampshire has a big deficit--8% cuts for everything, 3% last year. They are into digital archiving, downloadable books and long walks on the beach.
Little Rhode Island was last up. They too could lose their LSTA funding. They have the Gates foundation and are trying to expand their statewide databases and are working towards geographic authentification.

Yeah--its Lunch Time!!